Obituary: James Edward Jordan

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 James Edward Jordan
James Edward Jordan

NAUGATUCK — James Edward Jordan, 46, the husband of Colleen (Scully) Jordan, died peacefully Monday, Feb. 2, 2015 at Griffin Hospital in Derby.

Jimmy was born July 18, 1968 in Waterbury, the eldest son of the late James John Jordan and Virginia (Cocchiola) Jordan, and was a proud life-long resident of Naugatuck. Jimmy graduated from Holy Cross High School in Waterbury and from the University of Connecticut in Storrs, and worked as an accountant for Unger Enterprises in Bridgeport. Like his father before him, Jimmy was at the heart of an extended family and large group of friends who adored his outgoing personality, quick humor, infectious smile, generous spirit and willingness to help others. His mischievous streak, talent for teasing and propensity for stirring the pot will be sorely missed.

A true public servant who gave years of service to his beloved borough, Jimmy shared the gift of friendship in abundance. He treated his friends like family, and his family like his closest friends. He was a devoted husband and father, and loved to take his family on adventures. He relished family ski trips, vacations on the North Carolina shore, a recent summer visit to Baltimore and Washington D.C., and a trip to Lake Placid over the New Year, just days after he learned he had a malignant brain tumor. He was a wonderful brother, cousin, uncle and nephew who truly enjoyed spending time with his family and his large circle of friends.

Jimmy brought joy and zest to everything he did. He was actively involved with Watertown Youth Hockey, coached flag football and cheered on his children in all of their activities — dancing, soccer, skating and lacrosse. For the past five years, Jimmy proudly served on the Naugatuck Board of Education, where his keen intelligence, belief in the power of education and compassion for others were evident. Jimmy was the former chairman of the Naugatuck Planning Commission and the former treasurer of the Naugatuck Democratic Town Committee and valued his friendships with people of all political persuasions. Jimmy truly believed in the power of community and service to make life better for others, and worked hard to ensure that the children of Naugatuck had every opportunity to thrive.

In addition to his beloved wife Colleen, a math teacher at City Hill Middle School, Jimmy is survived by his son, James, and his daughter, Rylee, all of Naugatuck; his brother, Eric Jordan of Torrington; his brother, Gregg Jordan and wife, Wendi, of Bristol; his sister, Sally Jordan of Waterbury; his stepmother, Lorrie (Kapusta) Jordan of Oxford; several aunts, uncles and cousins; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Patrick and Elaine (Jarceau) Scully of Naugatuck; brother-in-law, Patrick Scully and wife, Pam, of Waterbury; brother-in-law, Terrence Scully of Naugatuck; brother-in-law, Michael Scully and wife, Natalie, of Stratford; brother-in-law, Christopher Scully of West Hartford; several nieces and nephews; and one grea- nephew. Everyone who knew Jimmy feels blessed to have known him.

His family would like to thank Yale New Haven Hospital, The Harold Leever Regional Cancer Center and Griffin Hospital for their care and compassion. They also thank dear family friend Jeanne Kennelly who checked in daily and cared for Jimmy during his brief illness. The Jordan family is overwhelmed by the love and support they have experienced over the past five weeks and would like to thank the community, friends and family for all their support and prayers.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2015 at 10 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church, 338 North Main St. Burial will follow in St. Francis Cemetery. Calling hours are Monday, Feb. 9, 2015 from 2 to 4:30 p.m. and from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the Buckmiller Thurston Mengacci Funeral Home, 82 Fairview Ave.

In lieu of flowers, to honor Jimmy’s memory, contributions may be made to the Naugatuck Education Foundation, P.O. 1717, Naugatuck, CT 06770.

To leave an online condolence, visit www.buckmillerthurstonmengacci.com.